The DevastatorFunny Books For Humans2015-03-26T18:01:14Zhttp://devastatorpress.com/feed/atom/WordPressadminhttp://devastatorpress.com/?p=7462013-08-01T18:27:00Z2013-07-31T22:03:38ZWe want to take a moment to recognize the most important people in the world of Devastator: our brilliant, abnormally intelligent subscribers! If a comedy magazine is printed in the woods, but it's never sent to folks via the mail, is it... y'know, a thing? Michael Gerber is a veteran comedy writer, a best-selling author, and August's Subscriber of the Month! (And we highly recommend his recent parody novel, Downturn Abbey.)

Michael Gerber, you're the first big time celebrity hotshotto become a Devastator Subscriber of the Month! How does that make you feel?

Headachy, nauseous, trouble concentrating - and there's a slight ringing in my left ear. Usually it's both ears, so I'm really encouraging people to subscribe, for the health benefits.

You wrote the hilarious, bestselling Barry Trotter series of parody books. Have you ever met JK Rowling? If yes, what was that like? If not, what would you say to her if you did?

I never did meet Ms Rowling, or as I like to call her, "thanks for not making my life a hell." I heard through channels that she enjoyed the parodies; I hoped that she would, because I was one of the few people who really loved Harry Potter. They're great books, you ought to read them, shame they haven't gotten more publicity. Anyway, she sneaked little Barry Trotter shout-outs into the later books; I like to think that I am a teensy bit responsible for making the elder Weasley twins significantly more batshit. It's a nice legacy.

We hear you're working on launching a brand new humor magazine! Tell us about it, so we can analyze the project for potential competitive weaknesses-- er, I mean... Just curious!

Well, its primary competitive weakness is "being a humor magazine." It's going to be a quarterly in large trade paperback format, with a website featuring more timely material. I'm tweaking issue #1 and we've got George Meyer, Jack Handey, Brian McConnachie, Roz Chast, and many, many other Simpsons, New Yorker, SNL people, with some younger folks thrown in there, too. Our hope is to create a permanent paid market for classic forms of funny prose, cartooning and illustration, so that those arts can survive until the big corporations finish flipping out. We'll be Kickstarting in the fall, with a campaign specially tailored towards people looking to launder a serious amount of drug money.

What's your favorite Devastator comic or article of all the times?

I make no claims for these two being the funniest things you guys have run, only that they hit a couple of my personal sweet-spots: I loved David Malki !'s steampunk Inspector Gadget in #1, and Rat Nights of Rat Hollow in #5. As a member of the Atari 2600 generation I suspect I am missing a lot of jokes per issue. I keep hoping you'll parody "B1 - Keep on the Borderlands."

This is your megaphone to all your fellow Devastator subscribers out there. What would you like to say to everybody?

I'm serious, those Harry Potter books are really good. They might be a little hard to find, but keep looking. You'll be glad you did.

Want to become Subscriber of the Month? Leave a comment below and tell us why!

The Devastator #8: Crossovers hits subscriber mailboxes and bookstores this August. At the center of the cover is the almighty animation, the deity of doodles, The Omnipotent Omnitoon - illustrated by the spectacular Jim Rugg. Oh, and yes, that's gonna be a real hologram on the cover, because The '90s.

We're capping off our second volume by playing pop culture gods and mashing universes together. You'll see Batman and Q-Bert finally team up, all the Colin Firth characters meeting in space, and a hot hookup between Yoda and Aughra from The Dark Crystal! (Wrinkly Muppet sex, anyone?) Headliners include cartoonists Box Brown, R. Sikoryak, Malachi Ward, Jon Schnepp, and comedian Blaine Captach!

Make sure you get your copy and subscribe today for 4 issues! You'll save 25% and feel better about yourself as a human being.

]]>0adminhttp://devastatorpress.com/?p=7372013-07-12T01:00:55Z2013-07-12T00:57:16Z0adminhttp://devastatorpress.com/?p=7172013-07-12T01:00:04Z2013-06-03T23:06:55ZWe want to take a moment to recognize the most important people in the world of Devastator: our brilliant, abnormally intelligent subscribers! If a comedy magazine is printed in the woods, but it's never sent to folks via the mail, is it... y'know, a thing?Holly is a reality show producer, a sister of somebody on staff (but who?!), and June's Subscriber of the Month!

Holly Golden, you are now one of the few, the proud Subscribers of the Month. How did you attain admission into this elite club?

Well, I had to take the written and practical exams, like everyone else -- I took them 3 times, actually, before submitting my scores. My 3.9 GPA and extensive list of extracurricular activities probably counted in my favor. Oh, I am also the sister of Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Elizabeth Golden.

You're the Director of Development for 25/7 Productions, which makes reality TV shows. Are you concerned this interview will be edited to make you seem crazy?

I am not concerned about that! I just want you to make me sound as interesting as possible, because I know that any kind of publicity is good publicity! Or at least, that's what I tell all the stars of my reality shows.

If you could force any person or group of people into signing off on a reality show about their lives, who would you choose and why?

Wow, what a cool question! I'm having a hard time answering it, though, because I'm usually able to convince my target talent into doing shows with me -- that's my job! But um... maybe the USA Gymnastics team? They turned me down, and I love gymnastics. I guess they don't want America seeing the crazy intense methods they have for training little girl gymnasts. But I'd bet lots of people would LOVE to watch that. And their crazy parents and evil trainers. That'd be such a good show...

How has The Devastator positively impacted your life?

The Devastator has an extremely positive impact on my life because it makes my brother happy, and that is very important to me. (Awwwww.) Also, it's very funny, so I'm always proud to tell people about it. And to defend it to our father, who still "just doesn't get it."

Which Devastator article or comic tops your list of "Most Funniest?"

I like Todd Alcott's parody of The Bourne Identity very much. I also liked playing Wizards of Cockblock Forest. And I LOL'd at the American Apparel parody that Asterios Kokkinos wrote. [Ed. Note: From issues #7, #5 and #6, respectively.]

This is your megaphone to your fellow Devastator subscribers out there. What would you like to say to everybody?

Hi guys! Help me convince The Devastator's staff that they should let me make a reality show about them! Also, please get all your friends, family and acquaintances to subscribe to The Devastator -- not only because it's awesome, but also because it will make my brother wealthy. Thank you.

Want to become Subscriber of the Month? Leave a comment below and tell us why!

]]>0adminhttp://devastatorpress.com/?p=6972013-06-03T23:07:22Z2013-05-01T16:00:49ZWe want to take a moment to recognize the most important people in the world of Devastator: our brilliant, abnormally intelligent subscribers! If a comedy magazine is printed in the woods, but it's never sent to folks via the mail, is it... y'know, a thing?Logan is a nerd blogger, a robot in disguise, and May's Subscriber of the Month!

Logan Garner, you have achieved Subscriber of the Month status! Identify the elements in your life that helped you attain this noble title.

Huzzah! I recently set out to re-watch every episode of both the X-Files and Samurai Jack, which must have been noticed by somepretty important people.

You write a blog called Nerd Out With Me and your first name is Logan. Did you change your first name to be more like Wolverine? If so, we're officially on board with that life choice.

I do! And mostly, it's a swell blog... mostly. While I did not change my name, I was nearly given the name "Hershal" at birth. I like to think that the obstetrician in yellow spandex inspired my parents to opt for "Logan" instead.

Please describe the perfect evening of nerding out.

My perfect evening of nerding out generally involves dressing up as a robot and playing "Rock, Paper, Scissors" with C-3PO under a local overpass. That bastard 3PO throws paper every time. I'll get him one of these days!

How many ways has The Devastator changed your life for the better?

Well, for one, I get exponentially happier with every issue of the Devastator that I receive, which is excellent. I've also been getting uncontrollable urges to take my cats on harnessed walks outside while wearing fancy hats. Somehow I feel the Devastator wants me to do it...

What's your super-favoritest Devastator article or comic?

My favorite Devastator comic of all time is actually the first one I ever saw (no shit!), which was the victorian/steampunk-ish, "The Amazing Inspector Gadget: The Electric Policeman." It was a beautifully rendered and ridiculous 1-page build up to perhaps the funniest punchline ever: "I--I can't move." It's the reason I first swore unending allegiance to The Devastator.

This is your megaphone to your fellow Devastator subscribers out there. What would you like to say to everybody?

You are all the cat's pajamas, Devastator creators and subscribers alike! And don't forget, with a little know-how, elbow grease and only trivial blood loss, you too can become Subscriber of the Month!

Want to become Subscriber of the Month? Leave a comment below and tell us why!

]]>0adminhttp://devastatorpress.com/?p=6832013-05-01T17:10:31Z2013-04-01T15:39:13ZWe want to take a moment to recognize the most important people in the world of Devastator: our brilliant, abnormally intelligent subscribers! If a comedy magazine is printed in the woods, but it's never sent to folks via the mail, is it... y'know, a thing?Jared is an indie cartoonist, a waffle aficionado, and April's Subscriber of the Month!

You did it, subscriber Jared Sams! You're our Subscriber of the Month for April! Now… who are you, exactly?

I like comics! So much so, I make some of my own! I write 'em and sometimes draw 'em, and I'm eager to meet Readers Like You at conventions and around town. Also: I believe Ryker would whup Han's ass, Destro is obviously a black guy. Scots be damned, and waffles are God's own perfect food and should take their rightful place at the top of the nutrition pyramid. That is all.

You're a comic book creator and artist. Tell us about your funny books! Are they anything like these Bazooka Joe comics we've been hearing so much about?

I've authored a couple comics in my fledging career as a comic book creator. One is titled Space Negro: The Last Negro, another is The Mad Muslim Mulatto. I always likened myself as the Bryant Gumbel of indie comics, so it surprises even me that the bulk of my comics are about angry black people. You can read some of my stuff at my website/blog/art thingee SPACEMANDEAD.COM!

We've seen you exhibiting in Artist Alley at comic conventions. Who was the coolest person ever to visit your table? Who was the most obnoxious?

EVERYONE who visits my con table is the coolest! Ladies and gents of fine taste and persuasion, who are able to look past the rabble and lock in on the superlative stylings of Spacemandead Comics or Ginger Rabbit Studio (http://gingerrabbitstudio.blogspot.com/). I won't name names, but my least favorite subset of convention goer is "Weird Old Dude Who Can't Stop Talking About Buffy." But who am I kidding? Those guys are awesome, too! Xander fo' life, holmes!

How has The Devastator changed your perception of reality?

I actually wasn't able to grow facial hair until I read my first issue of The Devastator. Then, all of a sudden, my voice dropped five octaves, I became a baritone in my local barber shop quartet, and I started growing hair. All. Over. My. Body. If you're really into braided taints, buddy, then meet me in the alley out back in five. Bring a comb.

What's your super-favoritest Devastator article or comic?

I think my subscription to The Devastator is current all the way to the dawn of the next century (ALL HAIL THE DEVASTATOR!), so I'm a big fan of everything they put out. But my favorite is an oldie but a goodie... "Fat Albert in 'Donald's Rusty Trombone." (From The Devastator #1: Cartoons, now out-of-print, but available digitally. -ed.) It was my very first Devestator strip and I couldn't believe what I was reading. I thought, "Finally! The homoerotic Fat Albert fan-fic I've been waiting for since childhood!" Does anybody else watch reruns of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids au naturel with a tub of Crisco nearby? Just me? Pfft.

This is your megaphone to your fellow Devastator subscribers out there. What would you like to say to everybody?

Be creative! Make stuff! It feels super good! Also: Support indie peeps. It doesn't have to be me or anything (*kicks rock*), but lets be real here: indie books just do it better.

Want to become Subscriber of the Month? Leave a comment below and tell us why!

The Devastator #7: Spies hits subscriber mailboxes and bookstores in March 2013. The cover features a sexy illustration by sexy cartoonist Michael "Sexy" Kupperman. Also: Sexy!

Our mission, which we totally chose to accept, is to make fun of pop culture's greatest spies, like James Bond, Jason Bourne, and Boris & Natasha. (If you don't agree with that last choice, perhaps you are moose or squirrel?) Headliners include Laura Silverman, Dominic Dierkes, Todd Alcott and Brent Spiner!

Make sure you get your copy and subscribe today for 4 issues! You'll save 25% and feel better about yourself as a human being.

Bonus: The issue comes with a secret spy decoder for finding hidden messages throughout the issue!

Double Bonus: You can use the issue to cover your face when you're stalking enemies!

]]>0adminhttp://devastatorpress.com/?p=6542013-04-03T23:45:11Z2013-03-01T15:00:11ZWe want to take a moment to recognize the most important people in the world of Devastator: our brilliant, abnormally intelligent subscribers! If a comedy magazine is printed in the woods, but it's never sent to folks via the mail, is it... y'know, a thing?Crystal is a TV editor, a mega-Trekkie, and March's Subscriber of the Month! May she live long and prosper...

Congrats, subscriber Crystal House! Let's take a Fantastic Voyage into your mind! Tell us about your career, interests, and if you have one, your cat!

OK! I am a reality television editor and I do not include that among my interests. I am currently studying for my doctorate in Paranormal Studies. I have a wide variety of hobbies, most of them can be done inside with my cat. My cat's name is Rusty Shackleford and he is a flat faced Persian. Rusty's favorite actor is Bruce Willis. Rusty's favorite band is Led Zeppelin. We have different tastes in music, so we usually just listen to NPR when we are in the car. When I do leave the house, it is usually to attend a Star Trek function or to do some heavy drinking, or both.

Who is your favorite character in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and would he/she get along with your cat?

Commander William T. Riker is my most favorite Star Trek: TNG character. I wish he was my Imazdi, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. Riker is from Alaska, which means in the future, Alaska is probably less terrible.

Unfortunately, Riker has not had the best track record with cats. Data had a cat named Spot, who did not get along with Riker at all. I think Spot might be a little more aggressive than Rusty and I don't think it was Riker's fault. I should mention that Data wrote a very excellent poem called Ode to Spot, which I often recite to Rusty.

How has The Devastator ruined you for other magazines?

Since I started receiving The Devastator, other magazines just seem so floppy and lifeless. I can't even tell the difference between other magazines and supermarket advertising pamphlets anymore. Everything goes into my junk pile except The Devastator. No other magazine really understands my love for cats, pop culture and general nerdery.

What's your all time forever-favorite Devastator article or comic?

I think my favorite Devastator comic is "How it Feels to be a 30-Year-Old Geek" by Zach Weiner (from The Devastator #5: Fantasy). He really captures the essence of something I have been complaining about for years. It reflects how I think a lot of Devastator readers feel and also makes me giggle. It reminds me of an X-Files website I used to love. There was a section where you could change the pattern on Mulder's tie, but it would take almost a half an hour to load each tie. It was totally worth it. Kids today will never understand.

This is your megaphone to your fellow Devastator subscribers out there. What would you like to say to everybody and/or their cats?

To The Devastator readers and their cats, I would like to leave you with a modified version of Data's Ode to Spot...

Though you are not sentient, Devastator, and do not comprehend, I nonetheless consider you a true and valued friend.

Also, cats out there, stop being so cranky when your parents are trying to clean your butt for you. We're just trying to help.

Want to become Subscriber of the Month? Leave a comment below and tell us why!

]]>0adminhttp://devastatorpress.com/?p=6492015-03-04T23:34:44Z2013-02-11T23:04:54ZWe are nearing completion on The Devastator #7: Spies, which will feature take-offs on James Bond, Jason Bourne, and Boris Badenov - "The Three B's of Espionage," as they're most commonly known. Currently, we're in the layout stage, which means all the writing and art assets are in, but they still need to be modified, arranged, sweetened, pinched, and snuggled tightly to our bosoms in Adobe inDesign by our very talented Design Director, Russ Lee.

There are more comics, illustrations, photos and arts in this issue than in any previous! That's awesome for readers, but a hilarious burden on our server space. We're considering upgrading our servers or going completely old school and have artists mail us their artwork in manila envelopes with the little string on the flap. The latter option wouldn't actually help us, but it's funny to inconvenience talented people for no reason. That's the first thing you learn when you become a Hollywood executive!

We're planning to release the cover online very soon, so stay tuned for an eye-popping illustration by cartoonist Michael Kupperman (Tales Designed To Thrizzle). The issue is slated to hit subscriber mailboxes by the end of March, and will debut at WonderCon in Anaheim, CA (March 29-31). We'll have a booth at this year's show, so you won't have to sneak around Artist's Alley to find us. Though if you want to sneak around in general, that would certainly be an issue-appropriate way to walk.

One more awesome note: Spies comes equipped with a red lens spy decoder! (See the banner image above for what it'll look like.) The spy decoder is exactly like the kind the CIA uses, only not at all! There are hidden messages throughout the issue, each one more important and vital to national security than the last. Can you find all the messages? I sincerely hope so... for all our sakes.